Thursday, March 20, 2008

Armoires...

The Rolling Stones once sang, "I see a red door and I want it painted black." Well, my theme song could be, "I see a brown hutch and I want it painted white." Actually, my obsession with painting things white goes way beyond hutches (the more I post, the more apparent that will become!).

This is the small corner TV armoire in our living room. We purchased it in the 80's at an unfinished furniture store. Back then, I stained everything dark brown. (click here for before photos)...A few years ago, when I caught the shabby/cottage bug, this armoire became a prime target!

I primed it, applied some neat appliques (there is such a wide variety to choose from!), painted it creamy white, sanded along some of the edges to lightly distress it, and finished by putting on some nice glass knobs. (More photos below.)

I recently saw a post on a favorite blog that I read daily, where Cindy from My Romantic Home was also doing a transformation on an older dark brown armoire. She decided to paint hers white as well and it came out spectacular!

Hey Cottage Gal, guess your real name is Donna. Thanks for the invite to check at your new blog, it's great. I've always loved your style and now will be able to see more of it. Best of luck with your blog!

Seasonal Sheep Prints

Use Coupon Code "BLOGGER" to receive a 15% discount on anything in the shop

Our Eclectic Shabby Country Cottage Home - whatever that is!

Welcome to our little cottage! We've gone from a modern decor in the 70's to country/primitive in the 80's and90's. But we're now in love with a brighter, lighter cottage decor.With no money to splurge on new furniture, I started transforming the pieces we did have with paint, slipcovers, and throws. And the older I get, the more nostalgic I get for the 1950's. That period brings back warm memories... Sunday dinners at nana and gamp's, the innocence of childhood...simpler times in general. I suppose that's why I delight in using some vintage 50's pieces for decorating. They're a reminder of those gentle times...So thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoy reading about my makeover madness!!

Fireplace Makeover . Before & After

Click Photo: How to create a shabby cottage fireplace when your husband won't let you paint the brick

Cottage Kitchen Makeover

Click Photo: A windowless kitchen goes from dark and dreary to light and bright

DR Hutch Makeover . Before & After Pics

Click Photo: A prim to cottage transformation

Pie Safe Makeover . Before & After Pics

Click Photo: Painting this furniture white and adding a mirror breathed new life into this piece

Primitive Folk Art for your Cottage Walls

Use Coupon Code BLOGGER to receive a 15% discount

How to make a birdcage planter for your garden

Got an old bird cage? It's easy as 1-2-3. Click Photo for instructions.

How to make a PHOTO Pumpkin

An easy DIY project. Click Photo for instructions.

How to make Glitter Ornaments and Gift Tags

A DIY project using old Christmas cards. Click photo for instructons.

Thank you, my blogging friends!

Please be nice...thank you!

All of the rambling text and amateur photos (such as they are) belong to me, so please contact me ahead of time if you would like to borrow something...Thank you!

"Bungalow Bliss" Print

Enter Coupon Code "BLOGGER" for a 15% discount of all prints

Enchanted Makeovers

Click the photo to learn how you can help one woman transform the lives of many women and children...

The happiest, handsomest hound, our Mr. O'Malley

The sweetest little troll ever, our Ms.Giz

Sooshi, our sweet little man-dog

1988 (adopted 12/24/90) - January 2000

Our gentle giant, Casper

1978 (adopted 1980) - 1986 (click photo for Casper's story)

My girl...

1976 - Sept. 1993

Only 1 out of 10 make it...

The people who rescued our Ms. Giz from the NYC pound told us that about 1,000 cats & dogs are taken in every single week at that particular pound. Of those, only about 100 find homes. The other 900 aren't so lucky and are put down... every week... at just that one pound. That's about 46,800 cats & dogs a year at just that ONE pound! Multiply that by all of the pounds across this country. The numbers are staggering... When searching for your next 4-footed family member, be it mutt or purebreed, feline or canine, please remember to visit your local shelter, pound, or rescue group...

If you've ever loved, or lost, a dog, I highly recommend this book. (Keep tissues handy)

Click book for Anna Quindlen's Official Site and excerpts from the book

Whimsical Folk Art Prints

Use Coupon Code BLOGGER to receive a 15% discount

PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING PET ADOPTION SITES

Photos are actual pets available for adoption at the time I set up the links. These wonderful organizations are always rescuing new animals, so check back often to find one that fits your family's lifestyle and needs - and if you know someone looking for a pet, please direct them to these sites... Thank you...

A little old fashioned, and a little modern.
A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock.
A unique soul like you needs a city that offers everything.
No wonder you and London will get along so well.

Just Finished... I've Got You Under My Skin by Mary Higgins Clark

Oh how I look forward to Mary Higgins Clark's newest book every spring! She is the only author who I splurge on a hard cover as soon as it comes out. No surprise that I loved her latest! Thank you, MHC! Please keep them coming!

Just Finished... Family Pictures by Jane Green

I absolutely love Jane Green's novels. They are my guilty summertime reading! Once again, I was not disappointed!

Just Finished... October Mourning, A Song for Matthew Shepard by Leslea Newman

A heartbreaking true story, Leslea Newman honors the life, death, and memory of Matthew Shepard through her heartfelt, compassionate, and superbly written poetry.

Just Finished... The Good House by Ann Leary

I absolutely loved this book. I so looked forward to climbing into bed with it every night. I loved the main character, Hildy Good. She came alive on every page. I was a tad depressed as I neared the end of the book because I didn't want the story to come to an end. Will definitely be picking up more books by Ann Leary!

Just Finished... The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers

Another great pick by Brenda of Cozy Little House. I especially liked all the references to the Boston area as Massachusetts is my home. A good read!

Just Finished... The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman

I really enjoyed this book, and thank Brenda from Cozy Little House for bringing it to my attention!

Just Finished... The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark

I absolutely LOVED this book! It kept me guessing until the very end! Thank you for another page-turner, MHC... You are amazing!!

Just Finished... Daddy's Gone a Hunting by Mary Higgins Clark

As you may know, I look forward to MHC's new book every summer. I loved her newest! She never disappoints :)

Just Finished... Another Piece of My Heart by Jane Green

A mother's day gift from Amanda, who knows how much I love a good Jane Green book! And it didn't disappoint - thank you, honey!

Just Finished... Shadow House by Michael Allegretto

This was another fun read from Mr. Allegretto (if you consider a whodunit murder mystery a fun read, which apparently I do!) I have yet another of his lined up to read. I wish he was still writing.

Just Finished... The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Absolutely loved this book! So glad I finsihed it before seeing the movie.

Just Finished... Promises to Keep by Jane Green

The subject matter was a bit more serious in this book, but it was written in typical (fantastic) Jane Green style and I thoroughly enjoyed it. (And there were a lot of yummy sounding recipes that I want to try - yes, recipes!!!)

Just Finished ... I'll Walk Alone by Mary Higgins Clark

I absolutely loved MHC's newest mystery, this time dealing with identify theft! I was hooked from the start and didn't want to put it down (oh well, so the dust bunnies got bigger and lived longer!) Thank you, MHC! How I wish you could clone yourself and come out with more than one book per year!! Already anxiously awaiting your next :)

Just Finished... the season of second chances by Diane Meier

I just loved this book! The author is so witty, I found myself laughing out loud many times (very unlike me while reading a book!). The characters were so real. I'm ready to move to Amherst, track them down, and work my way into their inner circle! Cannot wait for Ms. Meier's next novel!

Just Finished ... Dune Road by Jane Green

Just Finished .... Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington

One of the most inspirational books I have ever read. Booker T. Washington is an incredible example of the human spirit, and is a testament to the rewards of hard work, integrity, and personal responsibility. I personally think this book should be required reading in every school.

Just Finished ... The Shadow of Your Smile by Mary Higgins Clark

Just Finished ... The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

After hearing about this book for years, and having seen a recent trailer, I decided to read it before the movie's December release. Very heavy subject. It will be interesting to see how closely the movie follows the book.

Just Finished ... Between Mom and Jo by Julie Anne Peters

Realistically captures the impact divorce can sometimes have on children, no matter what the family structure.

Just finished ... The Beach Houseby Jane Green

Jane Green is my guilty pleasure novel each summer, just as Mary Higgins Clark is my must read mystery novel. Once again, she didn't disappoint. I sometimes find myself envisioning certain actors/actresses as the characters in the books I read. In this case I had Frances Sternhagen in mind as Nan (and she was delightful, I might add!)...

Just Finished ... Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark

Loved it! I so look forward to each and every Mary Higgins Clark novel... How I wish she came out with more than one per year. This, her latest, had me hooked from page 1 and I couldn't put it down! Thank you, MHC!!

Now Reading............. Elsie Dinsmore

Just Finished ... Night of Reunion by Michael Allegretto

I could not put this book down. It's an older book that I'd never read before and it had me hooked from the first page.

Just Finished ... The Shack by William P. Young

At times I wanted to put this book down and not go back to it... certain parts seemed just too surreal to me. However I'm glad I forged ahead. I think different people will take away different things from this book based on their own life experiences and beliefs. For more info on this book, click the image and you will be taken to the website for it.

Just Finished ... The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond

I had a hard time with this book. It may have been the subject matter -or me- or a combination of both...

Just Finished ... For My Daughters by Barbara Delinsky

A perfect book to finish up my summer reading (I picture Maria Bello or Keri Russell as Leah & Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Jesse if ever a movie!)

Just Finished ... A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

I can't believe I've not read this classic until now! ...Excellent!

Just Finished ... Where Are You Now? by Mary Higgins Clark

I'm a huge MHC fan so I loved it! I own every one of her books in hardcover and anxiously await her next as soon as I've finished the latest!!

Just Finished ... Second Chance by Jane Green

A fantastic summer read!

You Belong in Fall

Intelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times...
You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall brings
Whether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for you

You believe that each day is precious, and you spend your times as best as you can.
You see the wonder in small things, and you are often content with what you have.
You life an interesting, colorful life - and you bring color to those around you.
Confident and expressive, you believe you know how to live a good life. You're living it!